Saint Lucia sets new course for social dialogue

CASTRIES, Saint Lucia, (ILO News) - A new era of cooperation is taking root in Saint Lucia with the official launch of efforts to establish the country’s first national tripartite social dialogue mechanism.

Held on 26-27 June 2025, a workshop convened with ILO’s support brought together representatives from Government, employers and workers in a united push to strengthen labour relations, advance social justice, and drive inclusive economic growth.

This event marked the first concrete step toward creating a formal structure where policy-makers, businesses and workers can shape the country’s economic and social policy through dialogue and consensus-building. Participants validated a proposed programme of work, initiated a working group to draft Terms of Reference for the tripartite social dialogue mechanism, and drew on global experiences to inform a model suited to Saint Lucia’s unique context.

Opening the workshop, Ms. Nancy Varela, Social Dialogue and Labour Administration Specialist at the ILO Caribbean Office, set the tone: “Building an effective and inclusive tripartite mechanism for social dialogue is essential for ensuring that all voices are heard in shaping Saint Lucia’s future.”

Representatives from Government and the social partners contributed to the discussions, underscoring a shared commitment to collaboration.

Mr. Vern Gill, President of the Saint Lucia Employers’ Federation, noted that “through tripartite dialogue, we can shape policies that promote resilience, adaptability and shared prosperity. We envision a future where businesses thrive in tandem with the wellbeing of their workforce and the broader community.”

Mr. Julian Monrose, President of the Saint Lucia Trade Union Federation, echoed this view: "the trade unions have been calling for the establishment of a national tripartite social dialogue mechanism a long time. This formal arrangement would allow us to come to the table before challenges emerge and to take part in shaping solutions in a collaborative manner.”

In her opening remarks, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Gender Affairs, Ms. Virginia Albert-Poyotte, stressed the need to move from confrontation to collaboration: “a tripartite arrangement would allow us to move away from adversarial relationships and build peaceful and harmonious labour relations in Saint Lucia.”

Participants also benefited from a global perspective, with Mr. Andrea Marinucci, Social Dialogue Technical Officer at ILO Geneva, presenting key findings from the ILO Social Dialogue Report 2024: Peak-level social dialogue for economic development and social progress. “Learning from international experiences allows Saint Lucia to tailor a mechanism that is both effective and responsive to local realities. Involving social partners in socio-economic policymaking brings not just legitimacy, but better, more balanced outcomes,” he noted.

The second day of the workshop focused on exploring the experiences and institutional frameworks of social dialogue institutions across the Caribbean region. Through guided discussions and group exercises, participants examined the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder, unpacked the core components of an effective social dialogue body, and collaboratively brainstormed the organizational structure for their forthcoming mechanism. The workshop concluded with consensus on key priorities and next steps, setting the groundwork for the establishment of an effective and inclusive mechanism that can evolve with the needs of the country.

This initiative follows Saint Lucia's recent ratification of the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187), reconfirming its firm commitment to upholding international labour standards and protecting labour right. "With these ratifications, Saint Lucia is the second country in the Caribbean to ratify all ILO fundamental Conventions,” said Minister Albert-Poyotte.

By committing itself to creating a national social dialogue mechanism, Saint Lucia is not just following best practice, it is laying the foundation for stronger governance, improved labour relations, and a more just and inclusive society.